Algae Blooms

Despite strong indications that billions of gallons of water would not gush down the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers from months on end when the new management plan for the big lake was finalized earlier this year, that's exactly what is poised to occur.

An algae bloom is extending along Florida's west coast. Scientists say Helene and Milton could be fueling the growth of toxic algae that had already been present.

Instead of prioritizing flood control above all else, the strategy is designed to balance all the needs of the watershed. “This plan marks a cultural shift on the part of the Army Corps of Engineers.”

In a report Tuesday, the Florida Keys Wildlife Research Institute said no new sawfish deaths have been reported since June. But exactly what caused the startling behavior remains unknown.

The Blue-Green Algae Task Force wants data on the state's strategy for curbing farm-related nutrient pollution.

Federal environmental officials had recommended criteria in 2019 for two of the most common cyanotoxins, but advocates and the mayor Stuart say Florida never implemented them, nor explained their decision not to do so.

$3.2 million will go toward three projects to develop technologies used to eliminate blue-green algae.

While most algae blooms are beneficial, some can be harmful. These cyanobacterial blooms can look like foam, scum or mats on the surface of water — and they come with an unpleasant odor.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued its fifth health alert this year, four of which have been due to blue-green algae in the Caloosahatchee River.

The year’s fourth warning for pollutants in or near the Caloosahatchee River has been issued for the presence of blue-green algae near the Alva Boat Ramp.

Sawfish, and about 30 other species of fish, are turning up sick and dying in the Lower Keys as questions mount over what's causing it. As word and worries spread, scientists are yet to find a smoking gun.

The Army Corps of Engineers is planning to open three spillways in the dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee this weekend.